Author's Note: Sorry the first one was such a downer. I decided to post these in the order that I wrote them. Hopefully, this one will make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside and get you in a holiday spirit ;) For clarification, the lyrics are set up as: (Kel) Dom.

That winter classic… Baby, It's Cold Outside

In a lower city inn in a snowstorm, a group of off-duty soldiers gathered to celebrate the retirement of one of their own. On the bottom floor was a tavern, still mostly full despite the blizzard going on outdoors. The wind blew snowflakes past the one small window in the back private room, but no one bothered to look outside since the fire roaring in the hearth and the drink flowing freely warmed them plenty.

A toast was going on. One of the soldiers had stood up on a chair and whistled for attention. "Now, none of us thought we'd see the day when Sergeant Dom would willingly retire from the Own. Most of us had a bet on a pretty lady draggin' him away…"

The man's next words were covered up by cat-calls and a loud "Here, here!" The soldier on the chair grinned and waited for the noise to subside. Dom himself raised a mug of ale and took a swig in a personal toast to those words.

"As I was sayin'," he continued, "we figured that either a really stunning lady or death itself were the only ways to get rid of him. So Dom, I have to ask ya: whatcha dyin' of?" Laughter and hollers resounded in the small room again.

Dom answered over the fray, "How do you know I don't have a lady, Wolset?" This only drew more raucous noise, and it took even longer for the rowdy crowd of soldiers to quiet down again.

Wolset, still perched on the chair, raised his glass. "Anyway, we men of the Own just wanted to say we'll be missing ya as we march into battle. Three cheers for the old Sergeant!" he yelled. "Hip, hip!"

"Hooray!" was the reply. After the other two rounds of cheers, everyone took a long drink, slamming their drained tankards on the table. This marked the end of the evening, so the soldiers crowded around Dom to slap his shoulder and say their goodbyes. They slowly filtered out in search of more to drink in the main room or of warm beds at the other end of a cold evening's walk, depending on the man.

Soon, all the soldiers were gone, leaving Dom alone with the one woman who had attended his retirement party. As a rule, the lady knight did not drink at big gatherings, but she did enjoy the company of the soldiers of the King's Own she had previously served with.

Kel approached Dom who was standing near the fireplace. He smiled at her, "I'm glad you were able to come, Kel."

"It was a great party, Dom," she returned. Suddenly, she yawned. "Wow, I am getting tired…"

(I really can't stay) But baby, it's cold outside
(Got to go away) But baby, it's cold outside
(This evening has been) Been hoping you'd drop in
(So very nice) I'll hold your hands they're just like ice

They shared a long silence, each evenly looking at the other. Each was waiting for the other to speak, and eventually they both broke into grins at the same time. Kel covered up the awkward moment by saying, "I should be going. The palace is a long ride back especially in this weather." She nodded her good-bye and headed toward the door.

Dom, for a moment frozen in place watching her leave, had to run to catch her at the door, his hand taking hers to stop her. "Hey, don't go yet! The storm's only been getting worse—you should wait it out for awhile." Kel turned slowly, and their gazes met.

(My mother will start to worry) Beautiful, watch you're wearing
(My father will be pacing the floor) Listen to the fireplace roar
(So really I'd better scurry) Beautiful, please don't hurry
(Well maybe just half a drink more) Put some records on while I pour

Kel first looked down and then somewhere over his shoulder as she replied, "I have to get up early tomorrow to practice glaive work with Princess Shinko, Lady Alanna, and the Queen. They'll be waiting for me."

The former sergeant was persistent. "At least sit by the fire with me and have one last drink. Now that I'm out of the Own, we won't be running into each other on duty anymore. For old time's sake, please?"

Kel looked up at him and nodded. Dom released her hand gently and went to the side table to pour her another glass of mulled cider.

(The neighbors might think) Baby, it's bad out there
(Say, what's in this drink) No cabs to be had out there
(I wish I knew how) Your eyes are like starlight now
(To break this spell) I'll take your hat, your hair looks swell

Kel took a moment to glance out the single, small window in the room to see the swirling snow on the other side. "You're probably right, Dom. My horse and I would freeze to death out there." She joined him at the fire, and they both leaned against the mantle facing each other. He handed her a goblet, and she sipped the warming drink slowly. "Nothing like hot cider on a cold night," she said in a friendly way.

She realized that his blue eyes were staring at her, and she timidly met them. Dom could see that her hazel eyes held a question in them.

(I ought to say no, no, no) Mind if I move in closer
(At least I'm going to say I tried) What's the sense of hurting my pride
(I really can't stay) Baby, don't hold out
Both: Baby, it's cold outside

Dom took a step forward, leaning in towards Kel. The lady knight looked away to break eye contact, and he had to recover quickly by pulling himself back.

"Thanks for the cider, Dom. And the party—it was nice to see all the men again." Kel walked away and placed her half-full goblet on the table. "Really, I should head out now..."

(I simply must go) Baby, it's cold outside
(The answer is no) Baby, it's cold outside
(The welcome has been) How lucky that you dropped in
(So nice and warm) Look out the window at the storm

Her exit was again blocked by Dom. "The storm," he said softly.

Kel shook her head and met his gaze firmly. "It's already late, but I did promise to stop by Yuki's room tonight. She'll be waiting up."

(My sister will be suspicious) Gosh your lips look delicious
(My brother will be there at the door) Waves upon a tropical shore
(My maiden aunt's mind is vicious) Gosh your lips are delicious
(But maybe just a cigarette more) Never such a blizzard before

Dom closed the distance between them in two long strides. His arm snaked around her waist and his lips came down softly on hers.

Kel, shocked at first, froze. But the warmth coming from his body told her to respond. She kissed him back and wrapped her own arms around his neck.

(I got to get home) But baby, you'd freeze out there
(Say, lend me a comb) It's up to your knees out there
(You've really been grand) I thrill when you touch my hand
(But don't you see) How can you do this thing to me

When they broke apart a few minutes later, they just looked at each other, each one's arms still wrapped around the other and small smiles on both set of tingling lips.

"Domitan," Kel said, her face breaking into a wide grin as she said his name.

"Keladry," he responded in the same tone with the same smile.

At this, Kel threw back her head and laughed. "Gods, what are we doing? I should be on my way back to the palace."

(There's bound to be talk tomorrow) Think of my life long sorrow
(At least they'll be plenty implied) If you caught pneumonia and died
(I really can't stay) Get over that old doubt
Both: Baby, it's cold
Both: Baby, it's cold outside

Despite her protestations, Kel had yet to unlace her fingers from behind his neck. Dom's arms were still wrapped around her waist. He tightened them, bringing their bodies closer together. He leaned forward to whisper in her ear. "You know, you don't have to go back to the palace. I already have a room upstairs for the night."

Kel's cheek was pressed against his, so he felt rather than saw her smile. "It is cold outside," she whispered back.